McKellen, visiting China, never far from Shakespeare

Celebrating William Shakespeare's work in the 400th anniversary year of the English playwright's death, award-winning British actor Ian McKellen, better known for his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of Rings movie trilogy, made his debut on the stage and appeared at various places around China.

McKellen appeared on the red carpet Friday night for the opening ceremony of the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival. Together with celebrated Chinese mainland actor Jiao Huang, McKellen staged a performance in remembrance of Shakespeare in which he chanted The Seven Ages of Man, an excerpt from Shakespeare's play As You Like It. Jiao interpreted Hamlet.

McKellen's visit to China this time is part of the British Council's Shakespeare Live, a major program of events and activities geared for the 400th anniversary. As part of Shakespeare Live, the British Film Institute screened Richard III on Sunday at the film festival. McKellen starred and codirected the work.